Europa op een strijdwagen after 1656

This engraving, made by an anonymous Dutch artist, depicts Europa on a chariot pulled by two bulls. The print presents a scene from classical mythology, but it also reflects the visual culture of the Dutch Republic. Images like these circulated as independent prints or in books, functioning as both decoration and as a means of conveying classical stories and moral lessons. In the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was a major center for printmaking, with artists producing images for a growing middle-class audience. The story of Europa, abducted by Zeus in the guise of a bull, resonated with a society that was actively engaged in maritime trade and exploration. The tale spoke to ideas of travel, exotic lands, and the potential dangers of the sea. Studying the printmaking techniques, the circulation of similar images, and the broader cultural context of the Dutch Republic helps us to understand the social life of this image and its meaning for its original audience.